“Follow my lead.” Avalon turned his head and whispered to me. “And stay close,” the look in his eyes helped me understand his seriousness. I nodded my head, swallowing the huge lump in my throat and continued down the hallway.
At the end of the passage was a large mahogany door with a similar brass knocker as the first door; only this snake was much skinnier and wrapped around a scroll. Avalon wrapped his hand around it and the same effect as before occurred. This time however, beyond the door was a set of stairs winding downward, but significantly dimmer than the hallway.
I could hear many voices below us and the strong drag of magic left me certain this was our destination. I followed Avalon down a twisting path of stone stairs that seemed like it would never end. My stilettos made a clicking noise with each step.
At the bottom of the stairs was a surprisingly large room full of people. The room must have covered the entire block underneath the streets up above. The people all dressed extremely well, milled around the room on plush couches and chairs covered in ruby and gold thread. Small tables sat in between them and I noticed in one corner of the room larger tables, set up for poker. A counter ran half the length of the back of the room serving drinks and I realized that this place was a bar, or a club, or Ok, I didn’t really know what this place was yet, but something along those lines.
Avalon walked straight over to the long counter and ordered two drinks; I stayed close to his side and took the brown liquid he offered to me. I sipped the strong smelling liquor, pretending I knew what I was doing, but nearly spit it out in the same breath. The strong, woodsy whisky burned as I struggled to swallow it and then gave me an instant heady feeling, making the room spin around me.
“Use your magic,” Avalon whispered to me through gritted teeth. I forced a smile and then worked harder to force my magic into control. I calmed my nerves and cleared my head. I would just pretend to drink whatever it was.
Avalon looked around the room nervously and I wished I knew what he was looking for. I did my best to pretend to be bored; mimicking the stance of the other scantily dressed women I saw standing around the room. Avalon stood on his tippy toes to get a better look and I contemplated telepathic communication to get some answers, but decided against it.
The force of magic radiating around the room and my blood, hot and boiling, combined with the energy buzzing inside of me confirmed my belief that everyone in here was an Immortal. I was at once thrilled that there were so many others like me, but then cautious again when I realized they were still all strangers. They however, all seemed to know one another. Maybe this was some type of Immortal club that I hadn’t been inducted into yet.
“Stay here,” Avalon commanded and turned to walk away.
“Wait,” I demanded. “Where are you going?” I was suddenly nervous and shy.
“I’ll be right back…. I promise,” Avalon softened his tone and gave me a reassuring smile. I tried to trust him, but this whole night had just been too weird.
I attempted to follow Avalon with my eyes, but I quickly lost him in the crowd. For a while I could follow his trail of magic, but the overwhelming quantity of mixed energies in the room made me lose that as well. I looked down into my glass and swirled around the golden liquor, contemplating another sip.
“Well, well, well…. look who it is,” A familiar English accent whispered into my ear with equal parts menace and mischief. “What are you doing here?”
“What do you mean? What are you doing here?” I avoided his question and leaned back against the bar. I took a miniscule drink from my cup, noticing Kiran had an identical one in his hand.
“Hmmmm….” Kiran’s eyes drifted over my “mature” outfit and heat crept onto my face. “So this is what Avalon had planned for you…. not very exciting.”
“Then why are you here?” I asked again, realizing that although I hadn’t given him an answer, I hoped he would give me one.
“I have to be here; royal duties and all,” he shot me a roguish look and took a long drink from his tumbler. His usually clear blue eyes looked a little duller than usual and I noticed black and blue bags under them.
“Must be tough to be King,” I pretended to take an equally long drink.
“Not King yet,” he said simply. Kiran looked me over once again and I crossed my arms self-consciously. He stepped closer, resting his hands on either side of my body. I could smell the woodsy scent of liquor mixed with his sweet, almost herbal scent and the electricity picked up strength through my veins.
“So really, what are you doing here?” I tried one more time, my voice trembling from Kiran’s close proximity. His hands slid up my arms and he pulled me in closer until our bodies were touching. Electricity almost overpowered my senses and I forgot the rest of the world around us.
“This is where I conduct my business, Eden. You are in my American office,” he smiled a little. I wished I could look around the room once again, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Kiran’s. “Oh, Eden you’ve so much to learn,” he smiled a little wider and leaned his face even closer to mine. I was transfixed in his arms, completely unable to move. I was certain he was about to kiss me and I closed my eyes in anticipation. His grip tightened on my arms and I felt the heat from his face; his sweet breath tickling my nose.
And then…. A throat cleared in my ear and my eyes instantly popped open. Kiran’s body stiffened next to me and all intentions changed. Principal Saint and Talbott stood there side by side, both sets of arms crossed, both men visibly seething. I gathered myself and regained my senses quicker than I thought possible.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“Damn it,” Kiran growled and slammed his hand against the bar behind me. I jumped, startled by his outburst of anger. He turned to face the interrupters, but did not leave my side. “Can I help you gentlemen?” he asked through gritted teeth.
“Forgive us for the interruption sir, but Ms. Matthews is not allowed in your private club,” Principal Saint ended his sentence with a small bow. His manner was respectful, almost subservient.
Outside of school, the roles were reversed. Kiran was in command here, and Principal Saint must obey Kiran’s orders. I may have had a hard time wrapping my mind around the Monarchy before tonight, but the facts of Kiran’s power were clearly displayed in front of me. I was forced to understand the role of the Monarchy in my life now. My face flushed with embarrassment, as I noticed all eyes in the enormous room focused on us.
“I granted her entrance,” Kiran said softer, noticing the onlookers as well. His voice however, was none the less menacing.
“I’m sorry sir; by your father’s order she is not allowed here,” Talbott interjected himself and I couldn’t help but despise him a little more.
“Mr. St. Andrews is waiting upstairs to take you home,” Principal Saint addressed me for the first time and then angled his body as if to tell me I should leave immediately. I began to move, but Kiran stopped me by putting his hand on my waist.
“There’s no need for that. I was leaving anyways. I will take her home. Please tell Avalon, he is free to go,” Kiran took me by the arm a bit roughly and began walking towards the door.
“Excuse me, Prince Kiran; there is still business to attend to,” Talbott again interrupted, but this time I could hear the small amount of trepidation in his voice.
“What business?” Kiran growled quietly without even turning to look at him.
“I am not at liberty to say in front of…. her,” Talbott referenced me with a disdain that let me know exactly how he felt.
“Fine,” Kiran stood still for a few seconds longer, but did not let go of my arm. He left his back turned on Talbott and Principal Saint, apparently trying to decide what to do next. I was too afraid of him to speak. I could feel the heat of his anger swirling around us. The electricity pulsed between my skin and his fingers wildly. “I will walk her to the door,” before anyone else could object, he began walking again, pulling me along beside him.